Kevin De Bruyne has thanked Everton supporters for the reception he received at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon. Manchester City ran out 2-0 winners thanks to second-half goals from Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic.
And during Saturday’s game, Blues supporters applauded De Bruyne as he went to a corner kick in the first-half before they clapped him off the pitch when he was replaced by Manuel Akanji with a couple of minutes of normal time remaining.
Not only was the game the final time City will face the Blues at Goodison, but it could also be the final time the Belgium international faces Everton, as he is set to depart to Etihad at the end of the season.
Asked about the gesture, the 33-year-old said: “It’s something really rare to come out and get an applause from another team, so I just want to say thank you to them.
“I think they appreciate the way that I play. The way Everton play is hard. Defensively they are sound and we tried to break that, but it was hard.
We had difficulties going forward, especially in the first half. We needed two late goals, but I think we did alright
De Bruyne also admitted that he was shocked to be told his City career was over, as he feels he can still perform at the highest level. Despite being linked with a move to Major League Soccer in the United States, he also revealed he has not made any decisions about his future.
“I have not had any offer the whole year, they just took a decision,” he said. “Obviously, I was a bit surprised, but I just have to accept it
Honestly I still think I can perform at this level like I’m showing, but I understand clubs have to make decisions.
Everton are soon set to say goodbye to Goodison Park as the Toffees play out their final few matches in their iconic home before moving to their incredible new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
